Founders Night

Kentucky Breakfast Stout, much like Russian River's Elder and Younger is a rare highly prized beer that is making its way around Philadelphia. At one time craft beer lovers in the area were lucky to get one chance if any to taste the bourbon aged brew. Over the past few months there have already been several tappings and another one is happening on Thursday.

The Drafting Room (Exton) brings in KBS along with four other Founders drafts for tomorrow's Pint Night. If this appearance of KBS is like most, get there early if you want to partake. 6pm start, PAYG. Cheers!

KBS

Red's Rye

Double Trouble

Centennial IPA

Dirty Bastard

Cerese Cherry Ale

For Me & Those Who Give A Damn: Stanley Cup Playoffs

This one is for me, the small pocket of Penguins fans in Philly and all those at the other end of the state. While my Flyers friends are still giving me the finger and chanting, "Crosby sucks" the Pittsburgh Penguins head into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Washington Capitals. It all starts Saturday May 2 at the Verizon Center in Washington.

Game 1: Washington, Sat May 2

Game 2: Washington, Mon May 4

Game 3: Pittsburgh, Wed May 6

Game 4: Pittsburgh, Fri May 8

Game 5: Washington, Sat May 9 (if needed)

Game 6: Pittsburgh, Mon May 11 (if needed)

Game 7: Washington, Wed May 13 (if needed)

Times to be determined

One thing Flyers fans and Penguins fans can both cheer is the elimination of the New Jersey Devils. The Carolina Hurricanes take game 7, 4-3. Next up for the Hurricanes, the Boston Bruins in the second round on Thursday.

LETS GO PENS !!!

Get Your Stone On

Firewaters in Glen Mills/Concordville, PA (route 1 near 202) is hosting a big Stone Beer Night with 10 Stone beers on draft. Wednesday 4/29, P.A.Y.G, 7-10pm.

Pale Ale

IPA

Ruination IPA

Arrogant Bastard Ale

Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

2007 Old Guardian Barley Wine

2007 Imperial Russian Stout

08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale

2006 Double Bastard Ale

2008 Old Guardian Barley Wine aged in red wine barrels

I have to admit it, this is a place that tends to fall under my radar. I'm not sure if it's because it's not on my normal beer trail, it's hidden by the bright lights of Hooters (they share a building), lack of craft beer promos or a bad experience years ago. Either way it deserves another chance and what better night than one with Stone as the focus.

Lee Marren (Stone area rep) will be on hand talking beer, answering questions and deeming you worthy. No fizzy yellow beer here!

Better Off Red

I love red. Redheads have always been a weakness. I dated several back in the day. A couple of my cars have been racing red. Before I shaved my head I even had dark red hair. That red addiction continues when it comes to what is poured in my pint glass. Big, juicy, hoppy, red ales will always have a place in the beer fridge. Over the past few days I've pulled a few from my liquid stash to sample.

What all these beers have in common is a big hop profile. What separates them is how they work those hops. Some offer more balance with the malt, while others ride a big hop wave from start to finish. From Bitter to dry to sweet and sticky these beers all offer something interesting.

Founders Red's Rye
Red's Rye starts with a big fruity aroma. The taste is spicy with grapefruit and chewy caramel that blends well with the rye. Don't expect a huge rye bread experience. The effect is very subtle. The hops are the big performer in this beer. Red's Rye finishes dry with a solid bitter finish.

Lagunitas Imperial Red
Mmmm, sweet. The fruity malt sweetness comes through in the aroma as well as the taste. The piney hops work well to create a great balance and it never becomes a sticky mess. This is a big flavorful, easy drinking beer with no alcohol sting. Along with Lucky 13 and Censored Ale Lagunitas seems to have a fascination with the reds that rivals mine.

Green Flash Hop Head Red Ale

Where some of the other reds have fun with the malts this is a big hop punch to the pallet, BLAMO!!! There is some malt sweetness however it never comes to the front. The hops rule all the way through. Think pine and grapefruit rind for flavor. As you may of guessed this one finishes dry and bitter.

Legacy Hedonism

It had been a couple years since I'd had this beer and what I remembered most was the big bitter finish. After this recent taste the bitterness is there but it's not nearly as harsh. Was there a tweak in the formula or have my tastes changed? Who knows? Either way it's an improvement. Hops are very upfront followed by some malt sweetness and dark ripe fruit. I was surprised to catch a bit of a biscuit/bready flavor before the expected bitter finish.

Out of the four Lagunitas Imperial Red just topped Founders Red's Rye. The overall great balance of malt and hops made it the standout. Ideally I wanted to have Troegs HopBack Amber, Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale and Southern Tier Big Red for the tasting. Unfortunately a few things prevented me from getting my hands on those bottles. If I had the top ranking beers may of been a bit different.

1. Lagunitas Imperial Red 2. Founders Red's Rye 3. Green Flash Hop Head Red 4. Legacy Hedonism

Wegmans: Bacon, Apples, Twinkies and Beer. Almost!

Wegmans supermarket in Downingtown, PA is not selling beer. Technically it's the Market Cafe inside Wegmans that is selling the beer. That little restaurant twist is what allows Wegamans Food Markets Inc to sell beer in many of its Pennsylvania stores, oops Market Cafes. Simply put you can't grab the dog food, oatmeal, Oreos and a bomber of Bear Republic Racer 5 and hit the regular checkout lane. The beer sales are limited to the cafe area. Likewise you can't purchase your kibble, cereal and cookies inside the cafe. So that there are no illegal operations a dividing beer no beer line is marked with waist high posts and stop sign reminders. Wegmans' license allows for the consumption of beer (wine and hard alcohol) on premise, making the experience of grabbing Chinese spare ribs, spring rolls and fried rice for lunch much more interesting. Keep in mind there are limits to your beer purchase. The two six pack rule or equivalent applies, you have to bag your own and expect to show your ID. Nothing overly shocking.

Whatever rules keeps the PLCB happy and allow me to put groceries and a few beers in the trunk for the ride home is a good thing. Is it the perfect situation? No, but it leans on the side of convenience. The Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania doesn't like it for the obvious reasons. Here's some of the legal speak from MBDA counsel, Robert Hoffman, Esq., in response to Wegmans' entitlement to a licence to sell alcohol.

ARGUMENT
I. THE PLCB’S AWARD OF AN “R” LICENSE TO WEGMANS’ BETHLEHEM
STORE VIOLATES THE STATUTORY RULES ESTABLISHING
THE VENUES AT WHICH BEER CAN AND CANNOT BE SOLD IN PENNSYLVANIA
MBDA’s central argument is that the real world seller of beer here is the Wegmans’
supermarket, operating under its “economy of scope” marketing strategy; the notion that the Market
Café is the seller is a legal fiction to which no one should give credence. Wegmans, in a “press
release” emailed to its customers months before the hearings, accurately described its contemplated
sale of beer as “shopping at Wegmans” (see Exh. P-4 (185a)), and the hearing record strongly
supported that conclusion.1 The PLCB, by treating that legal fiction as fact, has authorized what
Pennsylvania law does not permit: the sale of beer at and by a supermarket.
The PLCB’s decision to approve the interconnection has two articulated bases: (1) the
asserted lengthy history of issuing licenses in “similar” circumstances; and (2) the PLCB’s
conclusion that was “no reason to not approve” (Opinion at 117) the interior connections between
the Market Café and the Supermarket. The first conclusion is revisionist history and the second
reflects fundamental flaws in the manner in which the PLCB approaches its decision-making on this
issue. At the same time, the PLCB decision and Respondents’ Briefs ignore the central issue,
described above, that MBDA has raised; debunk arguments MBDA has not made; and misapply
statutory construction principles

For the full document go here.

Locally Wegmans is currently pursing a license for the new Collegeville store and has a license pending for a Malvern location scheduled to open next year.

I stopped by the Downingtown store Thursday after work just to check out the new layout and pick up a few bottles. Walking in the you are immediately confronted with four sided beer displays filled with sixes and bombers. The aisle to the left is a wall of import beer options. The opposite side is dedicated to American crafts. Surprisingly the macros are tucked back in the corner of the aisle almost hidden. Craft beer is strongly positioned in the cafe. Most people I encountered were shocked to see the beer setup. All seemed positive and impressed about what was available. My overall all experience was a good one. The prices presented no sticker shock. I think the Racer 5 bomber was $4.99 and the Troegenator bomber $3.99. The only negative experience came at the time of check out when the Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale wasn't in the system and thus not available for sale. Oh well no Rocket for me. I chalked it up to a small first day glitch.

Wegmans is a bit off my regular path, but if I'm headed to Victory or driving that end of route 30 I'll make sure to stop in. It will be interesting to see if they get more unique beer choices. If that happens it could become a true beer destination.

Beer Happenings

First, a huge Happy Anniversary to Brendan and crew at Memphis Taproom. Today (4/22) they are celebrating their big 1 year of providing us with wonderful comfort food and a solid beer selection. The party starts at 5pm and the beer list is stellar. Come on, would you expect anything less?

Join us to celebrate this milestone! In addition to complimentary snacks butlered throughout the evening, we will be tapping some very special beers...the line up includes: De Dolle Dulle Teve, Bear Republic Racer X, Schlenkerla Fastenbier, Taras Boulba, Cantillon Vignerrone, North Coast Brother Thenlonious, PBC Fleur De Lehigh, Fuller's ESB, Uerige Doppelsticke, Sly Fox Instigator and Stone Russian Imperial Stout.
*Please note our kitchen and dining room will NOT be open for regular dining on this night.

Congratulations to Brewers/Owners Chris Miller & Mark Lehman on the draft debut of Breaker Brewing Company. I first heard about Breaker months ago here and now the beers (Anthracite Ale, Goldies, Malty Maguire Scotch Ale, and Old King Coal Stout) will pour on Thursday (4/23) at Kelsey's in Ashley, PA.

Another Saturday is almost here and yet again we have a decision to make. Do ya do the festival thing or hit the pay-as-you-go event? The 11th Annual Brew Fest Extravaganda at the Manayunk Brewery and HopFest V at The Drafting Room in Spring House. The full on festival is sold out so that may make your decision a bit easier.

Who Put Beer in the Movies and Caffeine in My Beer?

After reading all the reviews for Beer Wars I'm not sure if I should feel good for not going or disappointed that I wasn't part of the experience. There's a lot of love and hate swirling from blog to blog about the documentary. What does seem fairly consistent are the negative comments about Rhonda Kallman's (CEO/Founder New Century Brewing) caffeine infused beer, Moonshot. The description and marketing position it more as an alcoholic energy drink, than a well crafted coffee ale. Think Bud's B-to-the-E not Southern Tier's Jah-va. I'll have to wait until I get a bottle of the high buzz brew before I toss in my two cents about the taste. What I do find interesting is that someone who was an integral part in the early success of The Boston Beer Company is now pushing more gimmick than craft.

The Beer Wars talk got me thinking about a movie that came out a few years ago about a group of friends who travel from Brooklyn with a mission to visit 38 breweries in 40 days. The documentary American Beer was released in 2005 and is currently on DVD. Two of the participants Paul Kermizian (director/actor) and Jeremy Goldberg are now both involved with the beer industry. Jeremy is Head Brewer and co-founder of Cape Ann Brewing Company in Gloucester, MA and Paul is co-owner of Barcade in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Don't worry you won't need a beer to enjoy the film but it wouldn't hurt to have a couple to set the mood. Cheers!

Beer By the Numbers

Someone anonymously commented the other day that recently I've been obsessed with sports and should focus more on the beer. I would of posted the comment however an accidental delete (honest) has flushed those, oh so eloquent words to the great beyond. So, to appease my no name commenter I'll briefly stop talking sports, specifically hockey, and focus on the beer. I will however take a cue from baseball and bring out some interesting stats.


The Brewers Association, the trade association for the craft beer industry, recently released their annual, all important beer sales statistics. The two lists, the Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies and Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies (both based on beer sales volume) for 2008, contain a few familiar names from the Philadelphia area. On the craft side Victory Brewing (#35) was the sole PA brewery to make the list. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (#22) in Milton, DE was the only other area brewery to place in the top 50. PA fared a bit better with the numbers when it came to overall brewing companies. D.G. Yeungling and Son (#5)took the top spot in the Keystone state. Further down the list were Iron City Brewing (#13), Victory Brewing (#46) and Straub Brewery (#47). Dogfish Head Brewery slid in at #33. Looks like we all need to buy a few extra cases to get those numbers up.


California dominated all states with 18 breweries named between the two lists. A more detailed analysis on the craft beer sector for 2008 will be released on April 22. The complete industry analysis is scheduled for publication on May 19th in the May/June issue of The New Brewer.

Beer Wars on Fox

Fox and Friends gives the film Beer Wars a little plug with an interview of Director/Producer Anat Baron and Rhonda Kallman co-founder of Boston Beer Company and CEO/Founder of New Century Brewing. The documentary opens tomorrow for a one night showing with a simulcast panel discussion afterwards.

Inc. Magazine online also posted a short interview with Director/Producer Anat Baron.

A Bit of Philly Beer Week

My original plan for Philly Beer Week 09 was to take a ton of pictures and do a short post for each event I attended. That idea soon fell through as the week progressed, pictures didn't get taken and posts never went up. Sorry people but sometimes things just don't go as planned. Luckily we had no shortage of coverage from various sources and I am sure that my little contribution wasn't missed. As the weeks have rolled by and Beer Week fades to memory I figure it's time to flush what remaining photos I do have and make room on the SD card. So I present to you my little view of the best Beer Week ever.

Smoke 'Em if You Got 'Em (PBW09)

Philly Beer Week 09

Can You Feel the Love?

Cheese steak vs Primanti Brothers sandwich, South Street vs Southside, "Yo cuz" vs "Yinz guys" and Yuengling vs Iron City, Philly takin' on Pittsburgh only seems natural. Tonight the competition starts up again in Pennsylvania's book end cities as the Penguins and Flyers begin the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

Comparisons are often drawn between the two cities but a real sports rivalry is still fairly new. The games between the Flyers and Penguins, especially in the playoffs, are truly the only time Philly and Pittsburgh even acknowledge each other. Those unfamiliar with PA may believe there is a bond or a sense of brotherly competition between the two cities. In reality it's more akin to cousins who barely speak and occasionally smack each other around. Being from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia was always an afterthought as far as sports. After living in Philly for 12 years I know that people from here could care less about what's going on 5 hours to the west. The 305 miles between the two cities might as well be 3005. Sure there is interest when the Steelers and Eagles match up, but it's so infrequent that it's more novelty than rivalry. Baseball is laughable. The Phillies are World Series Champs while the Pirates are piss poor pathetic. As for basketball it's a non factor in Pittsburgh. Hockey is what makes you take notice and dislike the other end of the state.

The competitive hatred between the two teams and their fans is obvious. The boos that rain down on Sidney Crosby from Flyers fans and the number of fists thrown on the ice is proof. Last year's Eastern Conference Final saw the Pens place a serious smackdown on the orange and black as they ousted them in 5 games. Even though it was a year ago it sets up a bit of a revenge factor as this year's playoffs open. The series is expected to be hard fought and it wouldn't surprise me if it went a full seven games.

My Pittsburgher blood will of course have me rooting for the Penguins. I am sure when I am sitting there, wearing my classic Penguins powder blue hat and #87 sweater, in whatever bar I am in at the time, I'll get a earful. I wouldn't want it any other way. So bring it on friends I can take it. Besides in the end I expect to be celebrating several Penguins victories as they advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Game 1: April 15 at Pittsburgh
Game 2: April 17 at Pittsburgh
Game 3: April 19 at Philadelphia
Game 4: April 21 at Philadelphia
Game 5: April 23 at Pittsburgh (if necessary)
Game 6: April 25 at Philadelphia (if necessary)
Game 7: April 27 at Pittsburgh (if necessary)

Games start at 7 p.m.

LETS GO PENS!!!

Feelin' the Love

Skull Splitting or Hop Heavy

It's Saturday at 1:00, where do your loyalties lie? Do you want to give in to your hop head tendencies or is something of the high octane malt variety more to your liking? The choice is between today's Easter Hopfest at Union Jacks Inn on the Manatawny or Split Thy Skull Barleywine Fest at Sugar Mom's. Since the abv's will be high and the distance between the events is almost 54 miles there is a serious challenge if you want to hit both. So is it the city or the country? Either way be prepared for a mind altering experience.

Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny Easter Hopfest
1pm-1am
Southern Tier Gemini
Russian River Pliny the Elder
Russian River Pliny the Younger (backed up with Oggi's Left Coast Hop Juice)
Stone Ruination
Founders Double Trouble
Laughing Dog Alpha Dog Imperial IPA
Rogue I2PA
Moylans Hopsickle
Moylans Moylander
Bear Republic Apex
Lagunitas Hop Stoopid
Avery Maharajah
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Manayunk California Dreamin' Double IPA
Otto's Double D IPA
Troegs Nugget Nectar

Sugar Mom's Split Thy Skull Barleywine Fest
1-5pm
Victory Old Horizontal
Stone R.I.S.
PBC Philabuster Wheatwine
Sly Fox Panacea
Founders Backwoods Bastard
Rock Art Vermonster
Kulmbacher Eisbock
Flying Fish Hoppy 3x
Iron Hill Gold Barleywine
Porterhouse Aged Old Ale
Voodoo Love Child
Maybe Aged Brooklyn Monster

Jeff Bearer was Everywhere: Craft Beer Radio

Jeff Bearer over at Craft Beer Radio continues to put up some great interviews and event coverage from Philly Beer Week 09. I know everyone was running around the city trying to get to as many events as possible, but Jeff may of won the award for most active guy not working for a brewery. Check out Craft Beer Radio or just click below.

CBR Philly Beer Week

15: Brett Pack Reception

14: Sam Adams Beer Dinner

13: Shaun O'Sullivan 21st Amendment Brewery

12 :Triumph and Cheese Tasting with Patrick Jones

11: Triumph Brewery Tour

10: Founders Beer Dinner at South Philly Tap Room

09: Rob Tod on Barrel Aging and Drexel Charcuterie Class

08: Randy Mosher at Dock Street Brewing

Case Study: Sprecher Beers of the British Isles

A case of beer isn't always a friend of mine. I am forever looking to try something new and with the exception of a few favorites, buying a case of just one beer doesn't work for me. Since I am a true beer commitment phobe if I'm not buying singles, sixes and bombers the mix/sample/variety case is the way to go.

My latest purchase was Sprecher's Beers of the British Isles. Not just a variety case, but a variety case with a theme. Why just toss a couple bottles of various beer styles in a colorful cardboard box without getting a bit more creative. Several brewers do put a little spin on their samplers. Dogfish has it's Boombox, Magic Hat has Feast of Fools and Weyerbacher does its Big Beer case, just to name a few. Sprecher's spin is a liquid adventure from across the pond. The case consists of 6 IPA2 (Double IPA), 4 Pub Brown Ales and 6 Pipers Scotch Ales. A great feature of this case is the pint size bottles. No wimpy 12oz here. The trade off of course is the case only contains 16 bottles compared to the usual 24. So instead of 288oz of beer you get 256oz. Not to worry it's priced accordingly. The other twist (literally) are the twist offs instead of the standard caps. I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes when it comes to preserving taste but so far not a bad beer in the bunch.

THE BEER

IPA2

Yes, it's a double IPA and with Northern Brewer Fuggle, Willamette and Chinook you might expect a serious hop smack, however that hit never happen. The malt sweetness is more forward and those hops all take a back seat. The hop bitterness that does show only has a faint citrus quality accompanied by an odd grassy character. After drinking Pliny the Elder, Founders Double Trouble, Port Brewing Hop 15 and Moylan's Hopsickle in the past few weeks IPA2 doesn't stand up.

Pipers Scotch-Style Ale

Smoke, smoke, smoke makes itself known in the aroma and taste of this Scotch-Style Ale. With the first big whiff the smoke comes at you and combines with the sweet caramel aroma. The taste is somewhat syrupy sweet and toasty with a touch of dark fruit. The peat smokiness is there from start to finish but wasn't as predominate as expected. Even with the alcohol showing at the end this is an easy drinker. Put this one together, like I did, with a smoked or barbecued meat (BBQ pulled pork sandwich) for a great food pairing. If smoke isn't your thing then this version of a Scotch Ale won't win you over.

Pub Brown Ale

Biscuit is the first aroma to hit your nose while pouring this Brown Ale. It's then followed closely by a malt sweetness. The taste shadows the aroma and is bready, sweet (some apple) with a mild hop bitterness then finishes dry. This was my favorite from the case and is a session beer I can really get into.

Sprecher's Beers of the British Isles was more hit than miss. The only downside was the IPA2. Its malt heavy taste and lack of a big hop presence isn't what you would expect from a DIPA. Even though it wasn't to style it was still fairly drinkable. The IPA2 never came close to seeing the kitchen drain. The smokiness of the Scotch Ale and the biscuity sweetness of the Pub Brown were both pleasant surprises. Add to that the pint size bottles and this is a variety case that is worth taking home.

Younger in Royersford: Craft Ale House

If your a hop fanatic and didn't make it to Teresa's Next Door for the Russian River Brunch on Sunday or still need your dose of Pliny the Younger, today the Craft Ale House in Royersford is your savior. Bryan Kolesar brought this to my attention last week. If I hadn't been such a slacker by not checking their site and worse yet not getting to the bar I would of been on top of this sooner. The current plan is to hop on 422 later today for a long overdue visit. Big Dan reports here that Younger will hit the taps sometime after 6pm. Cheers!!!

Big East Out!!!

The Big East run is over. After being the best college basketball conference in the nation and putting 7 teams into the NCAA Tournament a Big East team has failed to make it to the Championship game. Michigan State upset the #1 Connecticut Huskies (82-73) and Villanova was completely dominated by North Carolina (83-69). As far as my brackets go all but one was tossed into the fire last week when Pitt lost. The last bracket worth anything had Villanova and Connecticut set to play in the Championship game on Monday. Now I can throw that one to flames with the rest, the Big East is officially done.

Pliny the Younger and Cheese Please

My plan was to not chase Pliny the Younger around the same way I did last year when Elder arrived in the area. However, here I am pointing out the movement of the 3IPA as it invades Philly. I had my inaugural glass at Capone's last Sunday and as long as Younger continues to pour in the area it wont be my last.

If you need the California hop fix head to Tria (Washington Square) today from 4-7pm (or until it kicks) for Pliny the Younger and Salvation. The beers will be specially priced and paired with two California cheeses, Fiscalini Vintage Bandage Wrapped Cheddar and Cowgirl Creamery Red Hawk.